Aviation operations across Nigeria may face a massive disruption later this week as ground handling companies, under the aegis of Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), have issued a three-day final ultimatum to indebted airlines to settle over N9 billion in outstanding payments or risk total withdrawal of services.

A letter dated April 30, 2026, jointly signed by AGHAN President and Vice President, Olaniyi Adigun and Ahmed Bashir, respectively and addressed to the President of Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the Lagos airport, expressed regret about the debt.

In the letter with the heading: ‘Re: Outstanding Indebtedness and Final Notice of Withdrawal of Services,’ the association also expressed frustration over the airlines’ continued silence and failure to make any concrete commitment towards clearing the debts despite the initial seven-day ultimatum, which elapsed on Wednesday last week.

According to AGHAN, the prolonged delay in payment had imposed severe financial and operational strain on its member companies, many of which it said provide critical ground handling services such as passenger facilitation, baggage handling, aircraft cleaning and ramp services.

The handling companies under the umbrella of AGHAN are Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria (SAHCO) Plc; Nigerian Aviation Handling Nigeria (NAHCO) Plc, Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Limited and Swissport Handling Company.

The letter read in part: “This continued lack of response has further heightened the financial and operational strain on our members, who have consistently engaged in good faith efforts towards an amicable resolution without success.

“Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three days for the settlement of all outstanding obligations, failing which our members shall proceed with the withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines, without further recourse, in addition to pursuing all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.”

The association had initially planned to commence the previous ultimatum on May 1, but it said the decision was shelved in recognition of Workers’ Day celebration and the need to maintain industrial harmony.

With the new ultimatum, the three-day countdown began yesterday and it is expected to end on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
AGHAN warned that failure by the airlines to comply within this window would result in an immediate withdrawal of services to all indebted carriers.

According to AGHAN, key stakeholders, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), had been notified of the correspondence due to the potential implications for safety, security and the larger economy.

The handlers in the letter, however, said it was open to constructive engagement to resolve the dispute amicably and avert disruption to the travelling public.